Dump trailer brake is locking up

andrewj · Jul 9, 2011

Hi folks - I have a nice PJ dump trailer I bought from a friend who just never used it that much. He lent it out to some folks and got it back in worse shape. One of the brakes locks up every time you apply hte brakes. Not sure where to start diagnosing this. Can anyone steer me in the right direction? Thanks.

Soundguy · Jul 9, 2011

is this an electric brake machine?

have you pulled that wheel to see if that brake is adjusted too tight?

is it dragging any when not engaged?

some people chamfer the leading edge of the shoe to keep it from agressively locking when energized.

post back.

soundguy

tractorboy5500 · Jul 9, 2011

andrewj said:
Hi folks - I have a nice PJ dump trailer I bought from a friend who just never used it that much. He lent it out to some folks and got it back in worse shape. One of the brakes locks up every time you apply hte brakes. Not sure where to start diagnosing this. Can anyone steer me in the right direction? Thanks.

Either the brake controller is set to high and only one brake is working, or someone adjusted on side to tight. Hard to say, is the other side working at all?? Maybe just need to take apart and cleaned, since it has setup like you described.
When I hook up my GN after it sets up, they seem to be real sticky at first until the brake pads cleans the light film of rust off the brake drums. There are alot of knowledgable people on here that can help.

magicheater · Jul 9, 2011

Yup, sometimes you just have to take it apart to see what is happening. Sound advice from the previous posters, not much to add.

Soundguy · Jul 9, 2011

ditto what the other posters said.

controller may be set high, one brake locking and the other has a bad magnet or loose wire / poor connections..

jack up both sides and have a helper pushing the panic button as you spin them by hand when diagnosing.

soundguy

RobertN · Jul 9, 2011

Based on a used trailer, and how you say others were rough on it, I would start by putting it on jackstands.

I have Dexter axles on all three of my trailers(5th wheel, flatbed, and utility). The manual says to repack the bearing yearly or 12,000 miles(whichever comes first), the brakes adjusted every 3000 miles, or less depending on use.

To do the bearings, you have to pull the hub/drum anyways. Inspect it all.

http://i.b5z.net/i/u/1080235/f/Instruction_Sheets/059-831-00A.pdf

http://i.b5z.net/i/u/1080235/f/Brake_Resources/Electric_Brakes_Troubleshooter_8-09.pdf

andrewj said:
Hi folks - I have a nice PJ dump trailer I bought from a friend who just never used it that much. He lent it out to some folks and got it back in worse shape. One of the brakes locks up every time you apply hte brakes. Not sure where to start diagnosing this. Can anyone steer me in the right direction? Thanks.

Diamondpilot · Jul 10, 2011

If the simple stuff checks out 9 times out of 10 I run into this its a bent spindle/axle. Happens more often than you think. Good strike on a curb will do it every time if loaded.

Let me guess, right front????

Chris